Walmart case goes to state’s high court

With courtroom arguments out of the way, the state's highest court is now in the midst of a decision in an ongoing lawsuit over Walmart's plans to add a grocery store in Sonora.

The California Supreme Court heard verbal arguments on May 28 in the case involving the retail giant, the city of Sonora and an opposition citizens group. With the hearing concluded, interested parties can expect a written decision before the end of the summer.

The court will decide whether a Sonora City Council decision in October 2010 was enough to waive any requirement for Walmart or the city to conduct an environmental impact report on the mega-retailer's expansion plans.

According to court rules, a written opinion is filed 90 days after oral arguments. That decision becomes final 30 days after it is filed, though attorneys can petition for a rehearing within 15 days of the opinion.

Edward Sangster, an attorney representing Walmart, would not comment on the case Monday. And Joshua Levine, an attorney representing Walmart opponent Tuolumne Jobs and Small Business Alliance, did not return a call seeking comment.

For the complete story, see the June 10, 2014, edition of The Union Democrat.